WEBVTT 00:00:03.868 --> 00:00:06.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Hello. I'm your host, Brian Callanan. 00:00:06.601 --> 00:00:10.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Why are three councilmembers voting no on the city's budget? 00:00:10.267 --> 00:00:13.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% What impact will a new 911 alternative program 00:00:13.300 --> 00:00:14.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% have on public safety? 00:00:14.734 --> 00:00:17.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And how close are we to the promise 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:20.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of zero functional homelessness in downtown Seattle? 00:00:20.334 --> 00:00:22.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Councilmember Andrew Lewis answers these questions 00:00:22.868 --> 00:00:24.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the ones you're standing in, too, 00:00:24.400 --> 00:00:26.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% next on "Council Edition." 00:00:26.133 --> 00:00:28.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Look, people want to live here. People want to build here. 00:00:28.467 --> 00:00:30.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% People want to start a business here. 00:00:30.400 --> 00:00:32.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And we need to work as a city government 00:00:32.100 --> 00:00:33.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to make those decisions easier. 00:00:33.901 --> 00:00:35.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -All that and more coming up next 00:00:35.834 --> 00:00:38.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on "City Inside Out: Council Edition." 00:00:38.267 --> 00:00:47.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:00:47.734 --> 00:00:57.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:00:57.200 --> 00:00:58.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And here we are from District 7, 00:00:58.667 --> 00:01:00.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis. 00:01:00.467 --> 00:01:02.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Thank you very much for being with me, Councilmember Lewis. 00:01:02.501 --> 00:01:03.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Great to be here. 00:01:03.567 --> 00:01:04.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And let's jump right into it here. 00:01:04.834 --> 00:01:06.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I want to focus on the recently passed budget 00:01:06.734 --> 00:01:07.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for this show here. 00:01:07.968 --> 00:01:10.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This was a very difficult process for the council 00:01:10.133 --> 00:01:12.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% after this economic forecast a few weeks ago 00:01:12.267 --> 00:01:14.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% showed some major shortfalls ahead in tax revenue. 00:01:14.734 --> 00:01:16.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I'll get to that in a minute here. 00:01:16.167 --> 00:01:18.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But there was this one major point of contention 00:01:18.033 --> 00:01:20.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on the council, this decision to eliminate 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:22.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% 80 unfilled positions on the Seattle Police Department. 00:01:22.934 --> 00:01:24.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This prompted Councilmember Pederson 00:01:24.767 --> 00:01:26.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to join councilmembers Nelson and Sawant 00:01:26.601 --> 00:01:28.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in voting no on that budget. 00:01:28.300 --> 00:01:30.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Here's what he said earlier this week. 00:01:30.367 --> 00:01:32.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I cannot in good conscience endorse a final budget 00:01:32.968 --> 00:01:35.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that I believe fails to learn from recent 00:01:35.601 --> 00:01:39.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% public policy mistakes on public safety 00:01:39.033 --> 00:01:42.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and falls short on public safety for a third year in a row. 00:01:42.133 --> 00:01:43.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Full disclosure -- I invited 00:01:43.334 --> 00:01:45.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Councilmember Pederson to be on this show. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:46.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% He wasn't able to make it happen. 00:01:46.400 --> 00:01:47.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But police hiring is a big issue. 00:01:47.801 --> 00:01:50.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I always get e-mails about this. I know you do, too. 00:01:50.067 --> 00:01:51.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% One viewer wrote this. 00:01:57.901 --> 00:01:59.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Thank you very much for the message. 00:01:59.300 --> 00:02:00.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I'm not sure if we're there at that point, 00:02:00.734 --> 00:02:02.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but Councilmember Lewis, can you tell me 00:02:02.367 --> 00:02:04.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% how you look at this issue of police hiring? 00:02:04.467 --> 00:02:07.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And what message does abrogating 80 positions 00:02:07.033 --> 00:02:08.801 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% say about public safety? 00:02:08.801 --> 00:02:11.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, well, you know, I was pretty clear in my vote 00:02:11.434 --> 00:02:12.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% against doing the abrogation. 00:02:12.968 --> 00:02:14.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I voted against abrogation last year. 00:02:14.968 --> 00:02:16.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I voted against it this year. -Mm-hmm. 00:02:16.968 --> 00:02:18.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -I don't think it sends the right message 00:02:18.434 --> 00:02:20.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% until we have stood up robust 00:02:20.434 --> 00:02:22.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and well-funded alternative response systems, 00:02:22.767 --> 00:02:25.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% which we're well on our way to doing in this budget. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:26.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And we can talk about that later. 00:02:26.267 --> 00:02:27.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Sure. -But I didn't think that 00:02:27.801 --> 00:02:29.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the abrogation was the right move to make. 00:02:29.801 --> 00:02:33.334 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I will say I'm very critical, 00:02:33.334 --> 00:02:35.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% while I respect my colleagues, of the decision 00:02:35.968 --> 00:02:41.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to use voting on the budget as a mechanism for protest. 00:02:41.167 --> 00:02:43.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I don't think that it's responsible 00:02:43.300 --> 00:02:46.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to tank the entire $1.6 billion General Fund 00:02:46.567 --> 00:02:48.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% based on one area of disagreement. 00:02:48.767 --> 00:02:51.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right, because you voted for that full budget in approval. 00:02:51.167 --> 00:02:52.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, all of us did. -Yeah. 00:02:52.334 --> 00:02:54.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -You're supposed to. -Yeah. 00:02:54.067 --> 00:02:56.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -The city needs a budget. We need to write paychecks. 00:02:56.300 --> 00:02:57.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Brian, we need to give you a paycheck. 00:02:57.801 --> 00:02:59.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. -You're a city employee. 00:02:59.234 --> 00:03:00.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We need to give paychecks. -I'm an independent contractor. 00:03:00.767 --> 00:03:02.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yes, no. Understood, yeah. 00:03:02.534 --> 00:03:06.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We need to give paychecks to our police and firefighters. 00:03:06.067 --> 00:03:07.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% All of that requires a budget. 00:03:07.767 --> 00:03:10.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We need to pay debt and interest on bonds 00:03:10.901 --> 00:03:12.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we borrowed as a city. -Mm-hmm. 00:03:12.501 --> 00:03:16.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And voting down a budget is a reckless and dangerous thing. 00:03:16.501 --> 00:03:18.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% It's never been done before, 00:03:18.267 --> 00:03:23.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it shouldn't be normalized as a protest tactic. 00:03:23.501 --> 00:03:25.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And we've all been critical in the past 00:03:25.100 --> 00:03:28.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% when Councilmember Sawant has used voting no on the budget 00:03:28.701 --> 00:03:31.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% as a mechanism to protest. 00:03:31.067 --> 00:03:33.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I think we should be just as critical when other people, 00:03:33.968 --> 00:03:37.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% when they don't get their way on one or two budget items, to say, 00:03:37.934 --> 00:03:39.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% "We're gonna tank every single service in the city. 00:03:39.834 --> 00:03:42.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We're gonna tank parks, we're gonna tank libraries, 00:03:42.367 --> 00:03:44.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we're gonna tank the police department." 00:03:44.067 --> 00:03:45.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Right. -And, you know, 00:03:45.267 --> 00:03:47.334 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% one other thing that I'll say -- 00:03:47.334 --> 00:03:49.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Mayor Harrell praised this budget. 00:03:49.601 --> 00:03:52.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, we had a statement yesterday from Mayor Harrell 00:03:52.267 --> 00:03:55.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% praising the investments in public safety, 00:03:55.033 --> 00:03:57.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% praising the full funding of his recruitment 00:03:57.334 --> 00:03:58.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and retention plan for Seattle police. 00:03:58.767 --> 00:03:59.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And the hiring plan for SPD, right. 00:03:59.834 --> 00:04:01.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -The hiring plan for SPD. 00:04:01.567 --> 00:04:04.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Mayor Harrell came out and said this was a public safety budget, 00:04:04.534 --> 00:04:07.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I agree with him on that, and my colleagues who voted 00:04:07.634 --> 00:04:09.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in the majority agree with him on that. 00:04:09.434 --> 00:04:11.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I don't think we can normalize this tactic 00:04:11.701 --> 00:04:13.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% where if there's one thing 00:04:13.033 --> 00:04:14.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% you don't like in the budget, you vote it down. 00:04:14.501 --> 00:04:16.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think that leads to a very dangerous 00:04:16.400 --> 00:04:19.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Washington, D.C., level of brinkmanship 00:04:19.067 --> 00:04:21.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in how we do politics in the city. 00:04:21.067 --> 00:04:22.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And it's unprecedented. -Yeah. 00:04:22.868 --> 00:04:25.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So, you know, I didn't get my way on the abrogation. 00:04:25.033 --> 00:04:27.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I voted with Councilmember Pederson 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:29.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and Councilmember Nelson against the abrogation. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:30.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But at the end of the day, we need a budget. 00:04:30.767 --> 00:04:32.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We need to pay our bills. -Right. 00:04:32.067 --> 00:04:35.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So I don't think it's a valid protest tactic 00:04:35.234 --> 00:04:36.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to say we're gonna tank the whole budget 00:04:36.934 --> 00:04:38.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% if we don't get our way on one thing. 00:04:38.601 --> 00:04:41.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Jumping on that abrogation piece just for a second, though, 00:04:41.334 --> 00:04:43.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% if the police department looks like it's going to hire 00:04:43.734 --> 00:04:46.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a net of maybe 30 officers next year 00:04:46.434 --> 00:04:47.868 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is what it looks like here, 00:04:47.868 --> 00:04:50.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% abrogating these positions that they're not going to fill 00:04:50.334 --> 00:04:53.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% when there's 200-some odd that Mayor Harrell put in the budget 00:04:53.701 --> 00:04:55.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% there initially there, 00:04:55.300 --> 00:04:57.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it would seem to make sense to take those back 00:04:57.067 --> 00:05:00.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and then ask the SPD to ask for them later on down the line, 00:05:00.067 --> 00:05:01.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I think is the logic that 00:05:01.501 --> 00:05:03.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the rest of the council was working with here. 00:05:03.234 --> 00:05:05.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, see, my preference would have been, Brian, 00:05:05.267 --> 00:05:07.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that we keep the position authority, 00:05:07.767 --> 00:05:10.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but if there's surplus money, we be flexible 00:05:10.434 --> 00:05:12.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in working with Mayor Harrell to move the money. 00:05:12.367 --> 00:05:13.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -And that's actually 00:05:13.200 --> 00:05:14.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% what we did in this budget, 00:05:14.300 --> 00:05:15.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and that was what Mayor Harrell proposed. 00:05:15.567 --> 00:05:17.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I thought that was the right course. 00:05:17.734 --> 00:05:19.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -Doing the permanent abrogation, 00:05:19.667 --> 00:05:21.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it just didn't sit right with me right now, 00:05:21.701 --> 00:05:24.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% given the public safety situation that we're seeing. 00:05:24.968 --> 00:05:27.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But, you know, that wasn't what carried the day 00:05:27.133 --> 00:05:29.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with my colleagues, and this is the budget we have. 00:05:29.601 --> 00:05:32.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I would say, again, you know, myself, Mayor Harrell -- 00:05:32.601 --> 00:05:34.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% we support this final budget. 00:05:34.033 --> 00:05:36.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It gives us the tools we need to start turning the corner. 00:05:36.701 --> 00:05:38.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And we're seeing signs of that 00:05:38.033 --> 00:05:40.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in parts of the city, in downtown and other places, 00:05:40.734 --> 00:05:43.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where we are making a lot of progress with our partnership 00:05:43.400 --> 00:05:45.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% as a council and a mayor on these problems. 00:05:45.601 --> 00:05:47.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And this budget is gonna help us with that effort. 00:05:47.767 --> 00:05:48.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Got it. I want to talk about 00:05:48.968 --> 00:05:50.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% another important issue with police. 00:05:50.334 --> 00:05:52.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So, the council adopted Mayor Harrell's plan 00:05:52.601 --> 00:05:56.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to move parking enforcement officers back to the SPD. 00:05:56.100 --> 00:05:57.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% They've been housed in the Seattle Department 00:05:57.567 --> 00:05:59.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of Transportation for the past year. 00:05:59.067 --> 00:06:00.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% That hasn't worked out all that well. 00:06:00.801 --> 00:06:02.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The eventual home for these officers 00:06:02.167 --> 00:06:04.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% may not be with the SPD, but this is a move 00:06:04.701 --> 00:06:07.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that could save about $5 million in administrative costs, 00:06:07.434 --> 00:06:09.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% according to the mayor's office here. 00:06:09.267 --> 00:06:12.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I know a lot of councilmembers wanted to keep these PEOs 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:13.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in the Department of Transportation. 00:06:13.767 --> 00:06:16.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% How did you come to this agreement here? 00:06:16.200 --> 00:06:18.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, really, for me, what it came down to 00:06:18.534 --> 00:06:20.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% was the ability to save some money 00:06:20.467 --> 00:06:21.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and programmatically expand 00:06:21.934 --> 00:06:23.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% some other public safety opportunities 00:06:23.767 --> 00:06:25.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% by doing that move. -Okay. 00:06:25.334 --> 00:06:26.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -And that was really -- 00:06:26.667 --> 00:06:29.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it was not worth $5 million a year 00:06:29.434 --> 00:06:32.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to keep them in SDOT doing the exact same thing, 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:33.968 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% the exact same job. 00:06:33.968 --> 00:06:36.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The interaction with the public is not gonna change 00:06:36.267 --> 00:06:38.200 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% based on this decision. 00:06:38.200 --> 00:06:41.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But we got $5 million additional in the budget 00:06:41.868 --> 00:06:44.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to make sure that we can expand 00:06:44.300 --> 00:06:45.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, 00:06:45.868 --> 00:06:48.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% now known as Let Everyone Advance with Dignity. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -We got money to invest 00:06:49.767 --> 00:06:53.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in public safety efforts downtown on Third Avenue, 00:06:53.300 --> 00:06:55.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% money that we would not have had 00:06:55.868 --> 00:07:01.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% if we had insisted on keeping the parking officers in SDOT. 00:07:01.033 --> 00:07:03.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% So that's what it really came down to, 00:07:03.033 --> 00:07:05.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is just the practicality of, 00:07:05.767 --> 00:07:08.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% what can I do to maximize the public safety benefit 00:07:08.434 --> 00:07:10.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% for the people of District 7? 00:07:10.133 --> 00:07:12.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And it was moving them back to SPD. 00:07:12.501 --> 00:07:14.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There's gonna be no difference in the service 00:07:14.100 --> 00:07:16.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% you're gonna get from parking enforcement. 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:18.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But that move gives us the opportunity 00:07:18.067 --> 00:07:20.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to expand additional public safety programming 00:07:20.634 --> 00:07:22.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we wouldn't be able to do otherwise. 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:24.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And that's what it was for me. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:26.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -The eventual home in the Communications Center -- 00:07:26.067 --> 00:07:28.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I know there's been some talk about that, too. 00:07:28.400 --> 00:07:33.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yes, I mean, I do still want to move parking enforcement, 00:07:33.234 --> 00:07:34.801 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% ultimately, to a role 00:07:34.801 --> 00:07:38.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where their full civilian impact can be realized. 00:07:38.200 --> 00:07:40.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -This is a longer story. 00:07:40.767 --> 00:07:42.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% This could be a whole thing in and of itself. 00:07:42.801 --> 00:07:46.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -You're right. -But Councilmember Herbold and I 00:07:46.300 --> 00:07:49.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% really wanted to move them to the CSCC back in the day, 00:07:49.601 --> 00:07:51.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because we wanted to also expand their role. 00:07:51.667 --> 00:07:54.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We didn't want them just to do parking enforcement, 00:07:54.067 --> 00:07:56.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% but to really follow up 00:07:56.267 --> 00:07:58.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on some recommendations from their union, 00:07:58.467 --> 00:08:00.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% SPEOG, the Parking Enforcement Guild, 00:08:00.634 --> 00:08:03.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where they wanted to expand their role to 00:08:03.567 --> 00:08:06.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% taking reports on car theft... 00:08:06.100 --> 00:08:08.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Sure. -...to try to, you know -- 00:08:08.667 --> 00:08:11.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% doing a bigger amount of the traffic direction. 00:08:11.767 --> 00:08:13.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Sure. -You know, these are things 00:08:13.634 --> 00:08:16.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% they wanted to take on in a role that could be expanded 00:08:16.834 --> 00:08:20.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and built up as civilian enforcement officers. 00:08:20.267 --> 00:08:22.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And that role was never really embraced 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:23.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% by the previous Durkan administration. 00:08:23.601 --> 00:08:25.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yes. -I think there's an opening 00:08:25.067 --> 00:08:27.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with Mayor Harrell to do something similar. 00:08:27.300 --> 00:08:29.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Mayor Harrell's talked about creating a new 00:08:29.501 --> 00:08:31.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% civilian public safety department, for example. 00:08:31.367 --> 00:08:32.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Right. -Whether that's something 00:08:32.934 --> 00:08:34.734 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% where the CSCC serves 00:08:34.734 --> 00:08:37.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% as the nucleus for that new project, 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:40.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% or whether it's a completely additional department, 00:08:40.234 --> 00:08:41.567 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% we have yet to see. 00:08:41.567 --> 00:08:43.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But my hope is that the parking enforcement officers 00:08:43.734 --> 00:08:46.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% could find a role there and that their role could be expanded 00:08:46.234 --> 00:08:48.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to being more of a civilian enforcement officer 00:08:48.667 --> 00:08:51.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with broader mandate than just traffic enforcement. 00:08:51.200 --> 00:08:52.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -And being in SDOT, 00:08:52.701 --> 00:08:55.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it was basically, you know, as the name implies, right -- 00:08:55.801 --> 00:08:58.467 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Department Transportation -- your role is gonna stay 00:08:58.467 --> 00:09:00.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% doing the parking enforcement. -Yeah. 00:09:00.367 --> 00:09:02.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -You know, I don't want to speak for all my colleagues, 00:09:02.601 --> 00:09:06.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but Councilmember Herbold and I have really been 00:09:06.033 --> 00:09:08.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% advocates of this position that 00:09:08.133 --> 00:09:11.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% these civilian officers could take on a much bigger role, 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:12.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it could free up police officer time 00:09:12.434 --> 00:09:14.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to focus on things only they can do 00:09:14.067 --> 00:09:15.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and that they need to be doing. 00:09:15.300 --> 00:09:17.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Let me talk about another issue with public safety 00:09:17.434 --> 00:09:19.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that you've been working on for some time here 00:09:19.434 --> 00:09:21.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to provide an alternative to 911, 00:09:21.734 --> 00:09:23.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a response that would involve a mental health worker 00:09:23.701 --> 00:09:25.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and a police officer potentially. 00:09:25.634 --> 00:09:26.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There's money in the budget for this, 00:09:26.734 --> 00:09:29.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a dual dispatch type of program here. 00:09:29.901 --> 00:09:31.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I want to know when we're gonna see it launch, 00:09:31.467 --> 00:09:32.801 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% what it would look like, 00:09:32.801 --> 00:09:34.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and what impact you think it's gonna have. 00:09:34.934 --> 00:09:37.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -So I'm more optimistic on this than I've ever been 00:09:37.534 --> 00:09:38.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in the last couple of years. 00:09:38.934 --> 00:09:40.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And as you know, Brian, this has been -- 00:09:40.067 --> 00:09:41.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -You've been working on this a while. 00:09:41.133 --> 00:09:42.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -This has been a very big priority of mine 00:09:42.701 --> 00:09:45.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% since at least June of 2020... -Yeah. 00:09:45.567 --> 00:09:47.667 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -...probably a little bit earlier than that. 00:09:47.667 --> 00:09:50.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But I think this is really the center of gravity 00:09:50.734 --> 00:09:52.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of what community has really been demanding 00:09:52.834 --> 00:09:55.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% ever since we started really reevaluating, 00:09:55.734 --> 00:09:58.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% how do we do public safety in the city of Seattle, 00:09:58.467 --> 00:10:01.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has been, there's this big category of calls 00:10:01.601 --> 00:10:03.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that don't require a gun-and-badge response, 00:10:03.968 --> 00:10:05.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and we can diversify our response 00:10:05.634 --> 00:10:08.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% based on what other jurisdictions are doing 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:10.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to make sure that police are going to things 00:10:10.133 --> 00:10:11.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% only they can respond to. 00:10:11.300 --> 00:10:12.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We want police focusing on burglaries. 00:10:12.968 --> 00:10:15.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We want police focusing on robberies. 00:10:15.067 --> 00:10:16.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We want police focusing on things 00:10:16.467 --> 00:10:19.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that are criminal violations in the city 00:10:19.133 --> 00:10:20.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% that they need to respond to 00:10:20.701 --> 00:10:24.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and where their response is necessary and appropriate. 00:10:24.501 --> 00:10:26.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But there's all these other things 00:10:26.167 --> 00:10:28.334 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% related to extreme poverty, 00:10:28.334 --> 00:10:30.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% related to mental health, substance addiction, 00:10:30.601 --> 00:10:32.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where other cities have really shown us 00:10:32.334 --> 00:10:35.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that alternative responses can be incredibly effective 00:10:35.234 --> 00:10:38.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and can save officer time 00:10:38.100 --> 00:10:40.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% so that they can focus more on these things 00:10:40.067 --> 00:10:42.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that are really affecting our quality of life. 00:10:42.367 --> 00:10:44.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I'm talking to business districts all the time 00:10:44.133 --> 00:10:47.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that are suffering from spates of burglaries, 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:50.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% you know, at like 3:00 to 6:00 in the morning. 00:10:50.167 --> 00:10:52.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And it'd be great to have more officer emphasis 00:10:52.400 --> 00:10:54.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in business districts to be able to do that 00:10:54.300 --> 00:10:56.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because we've freed up response time and capacity 00:10:56.868 --> 00:10:58.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% by adding these alternative responses 00:10:58.734 --> 00:10:59.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for things they don't need to do. 00:10:59.801 --> 00:11:02.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So in terms of the process we set up, 00:11:02.300 --> 00:11:05.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we're gonna have a pilot that we've worked out 00:11:05.133 --> 00:11:06.868 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% with the Harrell administration 00:11:06.868 --> 00:11:09.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to do a dual dispatch response. 00:11:09.267 --> 00:11:11.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Let me just briefly break down what that means. 00:11:11.234 --> 00:11:14.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -So dual dispatch means 00:11:14.234 --> 00:11:17.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that there'd be this completely independent civilian team. 00:11:17.033 --> 00:11:19.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% In other cities, typically, 00:11:19.033 --> 00:11:21.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% this involves a mental health clinician 00:11:21.634 --> 00:11:24.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and then maybe like a social worker or like an EMT. 00:11:24.701 --> 00:11:27.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Okay. -But this team, it's typically 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% two members with a van or maybe an SUV 00:11:29.767 --> 00:11:32.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that has some equipment in it. -Sure. 00:11:32.968 --> 00:11:36.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -They can respond dually with the police. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:37.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So the police are in their own separate vehicles. 00:11:37.701 --> 00:11:39.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Sure -911 call comes in. 00:11:39.834 --> 00:11:42.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And the dispatcher, the 911 dispatcher, can say, 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:45.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "Okay, I'm gonna dispatch this low-acuity public health team." 00:11:45.634 --> 00:11:46.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. -"And I'm gonna 00:11:46.934 --> 00:11:49.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% dispatch the police"... -Yeah. 00:11:49.534 --> 00:11:51.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -..."both separately at the same time." 00:11:51.400 --> 00:11:53.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But if the social worker team gets there first 00:11:53.601 --> 00:11:55.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it's something that they can handle, 00:11:55.701 --> 00:11:57.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% they would be in a position to be able 00:11:57.334 --> 00:11:59.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to screen SPD off the call, right? 00:11:59.067 --> 00:12:00.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Or they'd be able to say, "You know, we got here. 00:12:00.834 --> 00:12:02.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's not dangerous." -Yeah. 00:12:02.400 --> 00:12:04.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -"We can handle it. We're trained to handle it. 00:12:04.267 --> 00:12:07.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We can, you know -- SPD, you can screen off." 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:11.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So it can save that officer car time, 00:12:11.067 --> 00:12:12.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because then they can screen off the call 00:12:12.634 --> 00:12:15.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and they can be redirected to a call only they can do. 00:12:15.167 --> 00:12:17.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. -That is the concept 00:12:17.067 --> 00:12:19.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% of what we're trying to do here with a dual dispatch. 00:12:19.234 --> 00:12:21.167 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It is different from co-response, 00:12:21.167 --> 00:12:24.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which is the model that's like our crisis intervention team, 00:12:24.133 --> 00:12:25.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which we're still gonna have and which is still 00:12:25.767 --> 00:12:27.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% really, really, really important. 00:12:27.601 --> 00:12:29.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But that is the system where you have an officer 00:12:29.701 --> 00:12:31.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and a social worker in the same car. 00:12:31.501 --> 00:12:33.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -And we're still gonna have that 00:12:33.367 --> 00:12:34.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because there are certain circumstances 00:12:34.701 --> 00:12:36.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where that is the appropriate response. 00:12:36.601 --> 00:12:39.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But there's these other things where this public health team 00:12:39.434 --> 00:12:40.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% really can do this on its own. 00:12:40.767 --> 00:12:42.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I just wanted to break down those different -- 00:12:42.167 --> 00:12:45.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% so we will have co-response and dual response 00:12:45.100 --> 00:12:46.601 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and police response. -Okay... 00:12:46.601 --> 00:12:48.767 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -...in our portfolio in 2023. -Right. 00:12:48.767 --> 00:12:52.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -In terms of moving forward, you know, we passed the budget, 00:12:52.234 --> 00:12:54.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and this is gonna go forward now to be implemented 00:12:54.167 --> 00:12:55.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% by the Harrell ministration. -Right. 00:12:55.968 --> 00:12:58.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -We have something that I know you've discussed 00:12:58.767 --> 00:13:00.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% before called a term sheet... -Yes. 00:13:00.367 --> 00:13:01.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -...with the Harrell administration, 00:13:01.634 --> 00:13:05.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% where we are working in close partnership 00:13:05.300 --> 00:13:09.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with a dual work team of council and executive staff. 00:13:09.234 --> 00:13:11.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I'm hoping that now that the budget's done, 00:13:11.968 --> 00:13:14.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we're gonna have a better sense on what that timeline is 00:13:14.434 --> 00:13:16.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in the coming weeks. -Okay. 00:13:16.133 --> 00:13:17.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -So we don't know what the timeline is. 00:13:17.601 --> 00:13:18.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We had to fund it first. Sure, sure. 00:13:18.968 --> 00:13:20.200 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Now that we've done that, 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:21.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the term sheet can move forward to say, 00:13:21.834 --> 00:13:24.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% "All right, let's get the rubber on the road, literally, 00:13:24.434 --> 00:13:26.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and, like, let's get this team out there." 00:13:26.200 --> 00:13:27.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But look, Brian, I'll just say 00:13:27.534 --> 00:13:29.567 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we have lots of great national examples 00:13:29.567 --> 00:13:31.634 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to draw inspiration from. 00:13:31.634 --> 00:13:34.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% This is being done in in Denver, it's being done in Albuquerque, 00:13:34.834 --> 00:13:36.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it's being done in Fort Worth, Eugene. 00:13:36.667 --> 00:13:41.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% In Denver, it's correlated to a 34% reduction of crime 00:13:41.534 --> 00:13:43.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in the downtown area of Denver. -Yeah. 00:13:43.367 --> 00:13:46.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -So this really can be a game changer once it's on the road. 00:13:46.501 --> 00:13:47.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% And I'm hoping it will be. 00:13:47.767 --> 00:13:50.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I believe the Harrell administration believes 00:13:50.601 --> 00:13:53.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the same thing as the council, as manifested in the term sheet 00:13:53.501 --> 00:13:56.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and really their support for this concept in the budget 00:13:56.000 --> 00:13:59.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and baking it into their initial budget that we just approved. 00:13:59.334 --> 00:14:01.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Thank you for breaking all those pieces down. 00:14:01.033 --> 00:14:02.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I wanted to move on to human services 00:14:02.801 --> 00:14:04.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% with you if I could. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:05.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% This budget largely reflects 00:14:05.367 --> 00:14:07.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% what Mayor Harrell originally proposed, 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:10.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but the council did push back on his plan to reduce 00:14:10.133 --> 00:14:13.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a cost of inflation raise for human services workers. 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:14.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% He wanted to spread it out over a couple years. 00:14:14.701 --> 00:14:16.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The council says, "Let's do it now," 00:14:16.334 --> 00:14:17.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% wants to uphold those raises for people 00:14:17.968 --> 00:14:19.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who really are the frontline workers 00:14:19.567 --> 00:14:21.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in the crisis of homelessness. 00:14:21.267 --> 00:14:22.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Let me know went into this decision 00:14:22.667 --> 00:14:25.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and why this was important. 00:14:25.734 --> 00:14:29.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Well, public safety is broader than badges and guns, 00:14:29.701 --> 00:14:32.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and we've been discussing that on this show and in public. 00:14:32.834 --> 00:14:36.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And the police have a critical and indispensable role. 00:14:36.033 --> 00:14:37.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And it was really important in this budget 00:14:37.767 --> 00:14:39.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% that we support the police, 00:14:39.033 --> 00:14:41.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we fully fund the hiring and retention plan. 00:14:41.734 --> 00:14:44.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I would argue it was just as important that we make sure 00:14:44.767 --> 00:14:47.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we focused on the retention and recruitment challenges 00:14:47.267 --> 00:14:49.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% our service providers are experiencing. 00:14:49.434 --> 00:14:53.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% There's a lot of work that folks on the streets of Seattle 00:14:53.567 --> 00:14:56.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% are doing to work on people 00:14:56.434 --> 00:14:59.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who are in a cycle of public health challenge 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:01.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that is resulting in them breaking the social contract 00:15:01.667 --> 00:15:04.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and creating public disorder. -Mm-hmm. 00:15:04.767 --> 00:15:07.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And the teams that have been making really big differences 00:15:07.567 --> 00:15:10.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on that -- you know, LEAD/Co-LEAD, 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:12.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Downtown Emergency Service Center, 00:15:12.033 --> 00:15:14.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I mean, you go down the list, Catholic Community Services -- 00:15:14.167 --> 00:15:17.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% these folks are having a very difficult time recruiting 00:15:17.234 --> 00:15:20.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and retaining people to do incredibly challenging work 00:15:20.400 --> 00:15:22.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in a really tough economic environment. 00:15:22.834 --> 00:15:23.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Right. 00:15:23.834 --> 00:15:25.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -And with inflation going way up, 00:15:25.834 --> 00:15:28.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% it's just eating at the limited wages and benefits 00:15:28.734 --> 00:15:31.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we've historically rewarded those positions with. 00:15:31.634 --> 00:15:35.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I frankly don't think what we did was enough. 00:15:35.534 --> 00:15:37.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think what we did was the bare minimum. 00:15:37.767 --> 00:15:40.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I am incredibly proud that we were able to do it 00:15:40.667 --> 00:15:43.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in a tough budget environment, but I can't imagine 00:15:43.968 --> 00:15:47.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% what it would have done to the social service end 00:15:47.667 --> 00:15:51.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of our public safety work if we had only given the folks 00:15:51.467 --> 00:15:53.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% doing that work like a 4% increase 00:15:53.367 --> 00:15:55.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% instead of a true inflationary increase. 00:15:55.801 --> 00:15:57.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think it would have fallen off a cliff. 00:15:57.634 --> 00:16:01.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I think that we truly work to avert disaster 00:16:01.801 --> 00:16:06.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% by fully funding the commitment that we made an ordinance -- 00:16:06.133 --> 00:16:07.400 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% the previous council. 00:16:07.400 --> 00:16:09.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I was not on the council when that ordinance passed, 00:16:09.167 --> 00:16:13.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but by fully honoring that commitment, 00:16:13.734 --> 00:16:15.234 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% we're really getting stability 00:16:15.234 --> 00:16:17.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in a critical segment of our social service 00:16:17.601 --> 00:16:20.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and public safety work, and we need to build on that 00:16:20.167 --> 00:16:22.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% by continuing to elevate the standards, the benefits, 00:16:22.901 --> 00:16:25.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the pay the people in that work get. 00:16:25.467 --> 00:16:29.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We need to treat them like the first responders they are, 00:16:29.634 --> 00:16:31.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the city will be safer for it. 00:16:31.300 --> 00:16:32.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, let me keep going down 00:16:32.934 --> 00:16:34.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% this human services path with you 00:16:34.400 --> 00:16:36.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because you and I had a really good conversation 00:16:36.434 --> 00:16:38.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% about the King County Regional Homelessness Authority 00:16:38.801 --> 00:16:40.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a few weeks ago, part of which I used 00:16:40.634 --> 00:16:42.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on our "City Inside Out" program. 00:16:42.267 --> 00:16:43.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% There are a few points you made 00:16:43.367 --> 00:16:44.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that I couldn't get into that show 00:16:44.534 --> 00:16:46.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I wanted to follow up on this, 00:16:46.067 --> 00:16:48.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% specifically, this plan from the KC RHA REACH -- 00:16:48.834 --> 00:16:51.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% functional zero homelessness in downtown Seattle 00:16:51.133 --> 00:16:52.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% sometime in 2023. 00:16:52.834 --> 00:16:55.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Marc Dones, the CEO, says it's going to happen. 00:16:55.367 --> 00:16:56.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Do you agree? Downtown in your district. 00:16:56.934 --> 00:16:58.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Let's talk about it. 00:16:58.701 --> 00:17:02.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -I feel more optimistic about it than I have in the past. 00:17:02.234 --> 00:17:04.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Let me put it this way, you know, and I'll say this. 00:17:04.901 --> 00:17:07.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Sorry, Marc, I'll say this here. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:08.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, I was a little skeptical 00:17:08.567 --> 00:17:11.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we would be able to achieve functional zero 00:17:11.033 --> 00:17:14.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in the time frame that the KC RHA put out. 00:17:14.100 --> 00:17:16.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I am optimistic that we're getting closer than ever before 00:17:16.968 --> 00:17:19.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to realizing that based on the energy 00:17:19.467 --> 00:17:23.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and the organization that has gone into Partnership for Zero, 00:17:23.868 --> 00:17:25.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and I can just break it down real briefly here, 00:17:25.734 --> 00:17:29.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but essentially the work that's been -- 00:17:29.701 --> 00:17:32.067 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the groundwork that's been being laid this year 00:17:32.067 --> 00:17:33.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is the King County Regional Homelessness Authority 00:17:33.901 --> 00:17:36.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has hired up a bunch of system advocates 00:17:36.834 --> 00:17:38.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who have been building a by-name list 00:17:38.767 --> 00:17:40.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of people experiencing homelessness 00:17:40.501 --> 00:17:42.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who are in and around the downtown core. 00:17:42.467 --> 00:17:44.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Those advocates have lived experience, too, 00:17:44.501 --> 00:17:46.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% as being homeless, yeah. 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:47.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yes, and have been doing this work 00:17:47.834 --> 00:17:50.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in some cases for many years. -Right. 00:17:50.667 --> 00:17:54.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -They're very experienced and diligent people, 00:17:54.334 --> 00:17:56.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and they've been generating this by-name list, 00:17:56.901 --> 00:17:58.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and at the same time, they've also been building 00:17:58.801 --> 00:18:02.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a list of potential housing referrals and housing units. 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:03.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -They're working with landlords on this stuff. 00:18:03.601 --> 00:18:04.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, and working with landlords. 00:18:04.767 --> 00:18:06.234 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% So now they're at the point 00:18:06.234 --> 00:18:08.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where everything is kind of coming together, 00:18:08.267 --> 00:18:10.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where they're matching the by-name list 00:18:10.267 --> 00:18:13.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to these housing referrals, and they're all coordinating it 00:18:13.033 --> 00:18:15.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% through a very, very efficient command center 00:18:15.801 --> 00:18:17.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where all these providers and system advocates 00:18:17.834 --> 00:18:19.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% are case conferencing. 00:18:19.033 --> 00:18:20.167 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% They're in the same room, 00:18:20.167 --> 00:18:22.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and they're matchmaking this by-name list 00:18:22.801 --> 00:18:25.334 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to these housing referrals. 00:18:25.334 --> 00:18:28.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, it's also important to define functioning -- 00:18:28.367 --> 00:18:30.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Functional zero. -Yeah. 00:18:30.267 --> 00:18:32.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And this is a term, if we remember back 00:18:32.334 --> 00:18:36.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to the partnerships that we've done with Third Door Coalition, 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:39.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which is an alliance of service providers and business owners, 00:18:39.634 --> 00:18:41.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Functional zero was something they talked about a lot 00:18:41.467 --> 00:18:43.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because look at -- you know, unfortunately, 00:18:43.534 --> 00:18:45.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I don't think in the near future 00:18:45.033 --> 00:18:48.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% we're gonna completely be a society without homelessness. 00:18:48.534 --> 00:18:51.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% But you can reach functional zero in the sense 00:18:51.634 --> 00:18:56.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% that you can make homelessness rare, brief, and temporary. 00:18:56.367 --> 00:19:00.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So, you know, we're probably still gonna have a situation 00:19:00.567 --> 00:19:03.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% going into February of next year, January of next year, 00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:05.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% where there are gonna be people 00:19:05.501 --> 00:19:07.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% presenting as experiencing homelessness downtown. 00:19:07.968 --> 00:19:11.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But we're gonna have a system that can help 00:19:11.601 --> 00:19:13.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% get that person on a by-name list, 00:19:13.367 --> 00:19:15.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% give them access to case conference resources, 00:19:15.367 --> 00:19:17.133 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% get them referrals to housing 00:19:17.133 --> 00:19:22.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% so that we don't have a situation like we have had 00:19:22.667 --> 00:19:25.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where you have chronic parts of downtown that become 00:19:25.834 --> 00:19:28.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% massive encampments or become massive concentrations 00:19:28.868 --> 00:19:30.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% of poverty and disorder 00:19:30.501 --> 00:19:32.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because we don't have our act together 00:19:32.701 --> 00:19:36.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to be able to give people something better as an offer. 00:19:36.567 --> 00:19:40.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And KC RHA has really shown now we have this very -- 00:19:40.934 --> 00:19:44.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the beginnings of what could be a very efficient system 00:19:44.367 --> 00:19:48.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to first identify folks based on where they're at 00:19:48.100 --> 00:19:49.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and what their needs are, 00:19:49.434 --> 00:19:52.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% case conference through all of our resources, 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:54.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% because there's big myriad of resources, 00:19:54.801 --> 00:19:57.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and the KC RHA actually, just as a little plug, 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:59.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% recently put out a database of all those resources, which... 00:19:59.567 --> 00:20:01.734 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -That's right. It's online. -...is really, really helpful, 00:20:01.734 --> 00:20:03.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and anyone in the public can look at it. 00:20:03.701 --> 00:20:07.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% But you case conference all of that together, 00:20:07.200 --> 00:20:12.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and you match it to the housing. 00:20:12.767 --> 00:20:16.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And we've never really had something that efficient before, 00:20:16.067 --> 00:20:17.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and that can really be a game changer. 00:20:17.567 --> 00:20:20.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And we're already seeing the early signs that it will be. 00:20:20.434 --> 00:20:22.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And that's not just me saying that, right? 00:20:22.234 --> 00:20:23.834 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% I mean, that's, you know -- 00:20:23.834 --> 00:20:26.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We Are In, which is a consortium of businesses 00:20:26.167 --> 00:20:28.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that have been supporting this and community leaders 00:20:28.367 --> 00:20:30.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it's the Downtown Seattle Association, 00:20:30.133 --> 00:20:31.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% it's the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. 00:20:31.868 --> 00:20:34.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% You know, we're bought in on this regional approach. 00:20:34.334 --> 00:20:36.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And, actually, one other plug. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:40.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Our budget makes a bigger investment than ever 00:20:40.200 --> 00:20:42.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in the success of that system. 00:20:42.601 --> 00:20:47.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And, you know, that is something that we really need to do 00:20:47.667 --> 00:20:49.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% as people committed to a regional solution. 00:20:49.467 --> 00:20:52.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It really comes into, are we putting our money 00:20:52.501 --> 00:20:54.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% behind the theory of change we want to see? 00:20:54.200 --> 00:20:56.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And that's what we are doing as a council in partnership 00:20:56.734 --> 00:20:58.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% with the business community, with service providers, 00:20:58.567 --> 00:21:00.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and with the King County government. 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:01.634 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Can I touch on another issue? 00:21:01.634 --> 00:21:04.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Because the Council also made investment in local schools 00:21:04.701 --> 00:21:06.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% following the shooting death of a student 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:08.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% at Ingraham High School a few weeks ago. 00:21:08.067 --> 00:21:10.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Hundreds of students, as you know, came to City Hall, 00:21:10.567 --> 00:21:12.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% protested here against gun violence, 00:21:12.367 --> 00:21:14.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% asked for more funding for mental health counselors. 00:21:14.901 --> 00:21:18.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The council made an investment towards this goal of $4 million, 00:21:18.100 --> 00:21:20.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a quarter of that going to Ingraham directly. 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:22.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The budget chair called this a down payment, I believe, 00:21:22.767 --> 00:21:23.901 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and this is an issue here. 00:21:23.901 --> 00:21:25.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% The city can help in some ways, 00:21:25.267 --> 00:21:27.934 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% but this is a role for the state really to jump in as well. 00:21:27.934 --> 00:21:29.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Can you talk about this -- this investment, 00:21:29.801 --> 00:21:31.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% maybe some of the limitations involved with it, too? 00:21:31.901 --> 00:21:33.801 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% This is a huge story for our area. 00:21:33.801 --> 00:21:35.868 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Look, we did it because we couldn't wait. 00:21:35.868 --> 00:21:38.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I give great credit to Councilmember Mosqueda, 00:21:38.534 --> 00:21:41.067 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% great credit to Council President Juarez, 00:21:41.067 --> 00:21:43.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who had this horrible tragedy occur in her district 00:21:43.868 --> 00:21:47.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and who really came at the end of the budget cycle to say, 00:21:47.234 --> 00:21:49.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% "You know, we need to put our money where our values are, 00:21:49.701 --> 00:21:53.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and this school system needs this proper support 00:21:53.534 --> 00:21:55.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for young people who are troubled, 00:21:55.734 --> 00:22:02.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% who might use guns as a method of resolving arguments, 00:22:02.167 --> 00:22:04.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% or we've increasingly seen during COVID, 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:06.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% young people committing suicide with guns." 00:22:06.667 --> 00:22:09.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And the leadership from Councilmember Mosqueda 00:22:09.734 --> 00:22:11.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and Council President Juarez in getting that in the budget 00:22:11.801 --> 00:22:13.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% was something I was very proud to support, 00:22:13.467 --> 00:22:15.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I really appreciate both of them as colleagues. 00:22:15.968 --> 00:22:17.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% To your point, Brian, 00:22:17.434 --> 00:22:20.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the state really does need to step up on this. 00:22:20.267 --> 00:22:22.300 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Health care is a state issue. 00:22:22.300 --> 00:22:25.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Behavioral mental health care is definitely a state issue. 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I think this is one of the biggest deficiencies 00:22:27.300 --> 00:22:28.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we've seen in state government. 00:22:28.734 --> 00:22:30.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% We're seeing it dramatized right now by King County, 00:22:30.701 --> 00:22:34.501 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% rightfully suing the state for negligence 00:22:34.501 --> 00:22:37.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% in providing ample behavioral mental health care 00:22:37.400 --> 00:22:39.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in the King County jail, 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which has seen an unprecedented number 00:22:40.868 --> 00:22:46.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% of suicides and mental health crises during the COVID era, 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:47.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% because -- and this was reported 00:22:47.467 --> 00:22:48.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in "The Seattle Times" yesterday. 00:22:48.501 --> 00:22:50.000 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Right, right. 00:22:50.000 --> 00:22:52.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -And the state -- they're suing the state to perform to say, 00:22:52.701 --> 00:22:54.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% "You are not living up to your obligations 00:22:54.734 --> 00:22:56.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to provide health care to people that are 00:22:56.767 --> 00:22:58.601 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in the King County jail." 00:22:58.601 --> 00:23:00.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You can apply that to the schools. 00:23:00.567 --> 00:23:02.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, the City of Seattle has been more generous 00:23:02.834 --> 00:23:05.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% than any other government in stepping into a place 00:23:05.534 --> 00:23:07.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% where we don't have a charter responsibility, 00:23:07.367 --> 00:23:09.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but we have a moral responsibility 00:23:09.300 --> 00:23:11.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% to provide this level of care. 00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:13.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% The last thing that I'll say on this 00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:15.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is I'm very excited about the work 00:23:15.300 --> 00:23:16.767 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% that King County is doing 00:23:16.767 --> 00:23:19.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and that I'm gonna be engaging more with 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:21.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in the coming months through my role 00:23:21.267 --> 00:23:23.033 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% on the Regional Policy Committee 00:23:23.033 --> 00:23:25.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% around the crisis intervention centers. 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:27.234 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And I know you talked about this recently on your podcast, 00:23:27.234 --> 00:23:30.100 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% but, you know, King County right now 00:23:30.100 --> 00:23:32.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% has something like 16 crisis mental health beds 00:23:32.701 --> 00:23:34.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% for a county of several million people. 00:23:34.701 --> 00:23:36.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yeah. -It's completely unacceptable. 00:23:36.901 --> 00:23:39.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And this new proposal from King County 00:23:39.567 --> 00:23:42.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is gonna create five crisis intervention centers. 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:45.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% One is gonna be completely dedicated to young people 00:23:45.467 --> 00:23:47.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and to the unique issues that present 00:23:47.734 --> 00:23:50.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% for the mental health challenges 00:23:50.267 --> 00:23:51.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the young people are experiencing 00:23:51.467 --> 00:23:53.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% in this really difficult time. -Yeah. 00:23:53.534 --> 00:23:55.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -That is gonna be a game changer, 00:23:55.834 --> 00:23:57.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and it's something that I look forward 00:23:57.701 --> 00:23:59.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to supporting on the Regional Policy Committee 00:23:59.501 --> 00:24:01.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and moving it forward. 00:24:01.367 --> 00:24:04.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Huge props and credit to Councilmember Zahilay, 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:07.367 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% huge props and credit to Executive Constantine 00:24:07.367 --> 00:24:09.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% on taking this on as an issue. 00:24:09.501 --> 00:24:12.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I think that's the next big step. 00:24:12.267 --> 00:24:13.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, obviously in the state legislature, 00:24:13.767 --> 00:24:15.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% we're gonna need to push for comprehensive 00:24:15.567 --> 00:24:18.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% behavioral mental health care, but these wellness centers 00:24:18.868 --> 00:24:20.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% are gonna make a big difference, too. 00:24:20.300 --> 00:24:21.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I'm looking forward to making sure 00:24:21.834 --> 00:24:23.801 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that service is synched up with our schools. 00:24:23.801 --> 00:24:25.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% -Got it. I want to make sure 00:24:25.067 --> 00:24:27.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that I touch on one issue that's a big one here. 00:24:27.133 --> 00:24:29.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I've got a couple minutes to do it with you here. 00:24:29.501 --> 00:24:31.200 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The big overall question on the budget -- 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:33.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% use of the JumpStart payroll tax here. 00:24:33.501 --> 00:24:35.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% This fund has performed above expectations, 00:24:35.534 --> 00:24:38.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and much of the budget shortfall the city is experiencing now, 00:24:38.567 --> 00:24:41.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% a big drop in real estate excise tax a part of that, 00:24:41.133 --> 00:24:42.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% has been patched up with JumpStart. 00:24:42.300 --> 00:24:44.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And I say patched up because I don't think 00:24:44.167 --> 00:24:46.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% the council found any more permanent solutions 00:24:46.434 --> 00:24:47.434 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to this going forward. 00:24:47.434 --> 00:24:48.501 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% Let's talk about this. 00:24:48.501 --> 00:24:50.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Another revenue shortage is gonna be there 00:24:50.300 --> 00:24:52.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the next time the next budget rolls around. 00:24:52.267 --> 00:24:53.834 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% What's that longer-term solution there? 00:24:53.834 --> 00:24:55.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I've got about a minute and a half. 00:24:55.634 --> 00:24:57.300 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, well, I think there's two things. 00:24:57.300 --> 00:24:59.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% First, we do have this revenue task force, 00:24:59.033 --> 00:25:01.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and we're going to be having a community conversation 00:25:01.968 --> 00:25:03.267 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% about what it might look like 00:25:03.267 --> 00:25:05.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to pursue additional progressive revenue 00:25:05.167 --> 00:25:07.701 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to fill those gaps in the long term. 00:25:07.701 --> 00:25:09.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The second thing that I would put out there 00:25:09.267 --> 00:25:12.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is we really have a lot of targeted investments 00:25:12.534 --> 00:25:13.934 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in this budget cycle 00:25:13.934 --> 00:25:17.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that are focused on downtown revitalization. 00:25:17.734 --> 00:25:22.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Downtown produces over 50% of our General Fund tax receipts, 00:25:22.300 --> 00:25:25.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and getting downtown really humming again 00:25:25.767 --> 00:25:28.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% hopefully will make a difference on our forecast. 00:25:28.334 --> 00:25:32.501 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We are still a city that -- I think that we have 00:25:32.501 --> 00:25:35.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% the second most cranes of any West Coast city right now. 00:25:35.901 --> 00:25:37.968 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% And, you know, construction is 00:25:37.968 --> 00:25:40.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% one of the big feeders of our General Fund. 00:25:40.367 --> 00:25:42.400 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Look, people want to live here. People want to build here. 00:25:42.400 --> 00:25:44.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% People want to start a business here. 00:25:44.334 --> 00:25:46.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And we need to work as a city government 00:25:46.033 --> 00:25:47.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% to make those decisions easier. 00:25:47.701 --> 00:25:49.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And that's gonna have an impact on our General Fund. 00:25:49.567 --> 00:25:51.601 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I don't think it's just gonna be 00:25:51.601 --> 00:25:53.834 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that progressive revenue work, although we need to do that, 00:25:53.834 --> 00:25:55.334 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% and that's gonna be part of it. 00:25:55.334 --> 00:25:57.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Another part of it is, you know, 00:25:57.133 --> 00:25:59.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% let's get that real estate excise tax up 00:25:59.167 --> 00:26:00.467 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% by making this a better place 00:26:00.467 --> 00:26:03.267 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% for people to come and buy property. 00:26:03.267 --> 00:26:07.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Let's get that sales tax up by reinvigorating our retail core 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:10.100 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% so that people are coming downtown 00:26:10.100 --> 00:26:12.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and patronizing those businesses again. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:15.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, let's get that property tax up 00:26:15.133 --> 00:26:19.100 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% by building new construction, 00:26:19.100 --> 00:26:21.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% which increases our property tax base. 00:26:21.133 --> 00:26:23.901 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% So I think part of it is, let's increase the base 00:26:23.901 --> 00:26:25.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% of the modes that we have 00:26:25.067 --> 00:26:27.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% while we're also looking at progressive taxation. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:29.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And that's what I'm looking forward to in 2023. 00:26:29.133 --> 00:26:30.634 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Thank you. I have one final question here. 00:26:30.634 --> 00:26:32.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The city is about to announce some big improvements 00:26:32.734 --> 00:26:35.734 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% coming to Memorial Stadium there on the Seattle Center campus. 00:26:35.734 --> 00:26:37.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You're a graduate of The Center School right there 00:26:37.567 --> 00:26:39.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% on that campus, and I wanted to know 00:26:39.167 --> 00:26:41.534 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% your thoughts about some major changes, it sounds like, 00:26:41.534 --> 00:26:43.434 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% coming to your old stomping grounds. 00:26:43.434 --> 00:26:45.367 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yeah, well, the Seattle Center 00:26:45.367 --> 00:26:46.934 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% over the course of the last 15 years, 00:26:46.934 --> 00:26:48.334 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% and, you know, for part of that period, 00:26:48.334 --> 00:26:51.133 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% I had a front row seat going to school on that campus, 00:26:51.133 --> 00:26:54.033 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% has really transformed in an incredibly positive way. 00:26:54.033 --> 00:26:56.400 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% I mean, it's the cultural center of our city. 00:26:56.400 --> 00:26:58.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% You know, the modern history of our city 00:26:58.000 --> 00:27:00.667 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% is linked back to the World's Fair. 00:27:00.667 --> 00:27:05.033 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And all of the kind of rough edges have been polished. 00:27:05.033 --> 00:27:07.467 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Right? The Northwest Rooms, which were falling apart, 00:27:07.467 --> 00:27:09.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% now it's the home of the VERA Project, 00:27:09.300 --> 00:27:11.434 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% Seattle International Film Festival, KEXP. 00:27:11.434 --> 00:27:12.868 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -Yep. -You know, KeyArena, 00:27:12.868 --> 00:27:15.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% which was sort of missionless, 00:27:15.067 --> 00:27:17.367 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% now the home of a new NHL team, 00:27:17.367 --> 00:27:20.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% hopefully soon an NBA team... -Yeah. 00:27:20.234 --> 00:27:22.767 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% -...and this great modern subterranean arena 00:27:22.767 --> 00:27:24.667 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% in Climate Pledge, 00:27:24.667 --> 00:27:27.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% The only rough patch, the sore thumb of that campus, 00:27:27.968 --> 00:27:29.067 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% is Memorial Stadium. 00:27:29.067 --> 00:27:31.200 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's crumbling. It's falling apart. 00:27:31.200 --> 00:27:33.901 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% It's fenced in. It's a blight. 00:27:33.901 --> 00:27:37.133 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% We are gonna be focusing on a transformative partnership 00:27:37.133 --> 00:27:38.701 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% with the Seattle Public Schools 00:27:38.701 --> 00:27:41.000 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% that we have funded in this budget 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:43.334 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% to overhaul, to rebuild that stadium, 00:27:43.334 --> 00:27:46.300 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and hopefully have it be here in time for the World Cup 00:27:46.300 --> 00:27:48.234 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% when we are hosting it in a couple years. 00:27:48.234 --> 00:27:50.167 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% And it's gonna really open up the campus. 00:27:50.167 --> 00:27:52.968 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% It's gonna be a beautiful amenity for the community, 00:27:52.968 --> 00:27:54.567 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% and I'm really looking forward to it. 00:27:54.567 --> 00:27:56.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -USA, USA! I can hear it from here. 00:27:56.634 --> 00:27:57.701 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% -Yes. -Thank you very much, 00:27:57.701 --> 00:27:59.000 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% Councilmember Lewis, for joining me. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:00.534 align:middle line:87% position:50% size:90% That's all the time we have here on "Council Edition." 00:28:00.534 --> 00:28:01.901 align:middle line:93% position:50% size:90% We'll see you next time. 00:28:01.901 --> 00:28:10.267 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪ 00:28:10.267 --> 00:28:18.634 align:middle line:00% position:50% size:90% ♪♪